WO2008071003A1 - Power retractable rocker board - Google Patents
Power retractable rocker board Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008071003A1 WO2008071003A1 PCT/CA2007/002290 CA2007002290W WO2008071003A1 WO 2008071003 A1 WO2008071003 A1 WO 2008071003A1 CA 2007002290 W CA2007002290 W CA 2007002290W WO 2008071003 A1 WO2008071003 A1 WO 2008071003A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- board assembly
- running board
- pivot shaft
- set forth
- motor
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R3/00—Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards
- B60R3/02—Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R3/00—Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards
- B60R3/002—Running boards
Definitions
- the invention relates to running boards for a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a power retractable rocker board movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
- Retractable running boards or steps are well-known in the art for allowing users to enter and exit a motor vehicle having a high ground clearance. These so-called retractable running boards or steps are generally movable between a retracted position, in which a step is tucked underneath an underbody of the motor vehicle, and an extended position, in which the step is spaced apart from the underbody of the motor vehicle for supporting the user. It is desirable to provide integrate the retractable running board into the corresponding body portion of the motor vehicle in order to improve the overall styling of the motor vehicle.
- a running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes an arm adapted to be fixedly coupled to the motor vehicle.
- a pivot shaft extends through the arm and is rotatable relative thereto.
- a step is fixedly secured to the pivot shaft and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
- a motor is operably coupled to the pivot shaft such that actuation of the motor rotates the pivot shaft relative to the arm to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position.
- Figure l is a lower, perspective view of a running board assembly according to the invention.
- Figure 2 is an upper, perspective view of the running board assembly including a step in a deployed position
- Figure 3 is an end view of the running board assembly including the step in a stowed position
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rear end of the step including a rear end housing extending out therefrom for supporting a pinion shaft and a clutch assembly disposed along a rear pivot shaft;
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear end of the step including a portion of the clutch assembly removed;
- Figure 6 is a top view of a motor operably coupled to the rear pivot shaft and a rear arm receiving the rear pivot shaft therethrough;
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the motor, rear end housing, rear pivot shaft, and rear arm;
- Figure 8 is a perspective view of the motor, pinion shaft, rear pivot shaft, and clutch assembly
- Figure 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view including an inner rear end cap coupled to the step and a slot formed in the inner rear end cap for receiving a rotary seal;
- Figure 10 is a perspective view of an outer rear end cap for receiving the rotary seal
- Figure 11 is a perspective view of a front pivot shaft extending through a front arm and support by a front end housing; and Figure 12 is a sectional view of the step including a step thread disposed therealong.
- a running board assembly generally shown at 10, includes spaced apart first 12 and second 14 arms.
- a mounting bracket 15 is connected to each of the first 12 and second 14 arms and is adapted to attach the running board assembly 10 to a motor vehicle. It is appreciated that the particular number of arms and mounting brackets utilized in the running board assembly 10 may vary.
- the running board assembly 10 includes an elongated step, generally indicated at 16, coupled to each of the first 12 and second 14 arms.
- the step 16 includes a main body portion 17 extending longitudinally between a first end 18 and an opposing second end 20.
- the step 16 defines an interior portion 21, shown in Figure 5, extending at least partially between the first 18 and second 20 ends.
- the step 16 includes an inner end cap 22 coupled to the first end 18 of the main body portion 17 and an outer end cap 23 coupled to the inner end cap 22 by an end cap screw.
- the step 16 also includes an inner end cap 24 coupled to the second end 20 of the main body portion 17 and an outer end cap 26 coupled to the inner end cap 24 by an end cap screw 28.
- a step tread 30 is disposed along a top surface of the step 16. More specifically, the step tread 30 may extend along a top surface of the main body portion 17 and the end caps 22, 23, 24, 26 of the step 16. It is contemplated that a bottom surface of the step 16 may have a Class A finish.
- a motor 32 shown in Figures 6 and 7, is disposed within the interior portion 21 of the step 16 adjacent the second end 20 of the main body portion 17.
- the step 16 includes a motor cover 34 for retaining the motor 32 in place within the interior portion 21.
- the motor 32 is operably coupled to the step 16 to move the step 16 between a deployed position, shown in Figure 2, and a stowed position, shown in Figure 3. It is appreciated that the step 16 may be integrated into a rocker panel of the motor vehicle such that the step 16, while in the stowed position, is flush with the rocker panel to create a seamless appearance along a side of the motor vehicle and the step 16, while in the deployed position is pivoted away from the rocker panel to support individuals entering or exiting the motor vehicle.
- the motor 32 includes an output shaft (not shown) operably coupled to a pinion shaft 36.
- the pinion shaft 36 extends out of the interior portion 21 of the step 16 and into the inner end cap 24.
- An end housing 38 is fixedly mounted to the step 16 by an end housing screw 40 and extends out from the step 16 to support the pinion shaft 36.
- a drive gear 42 is fixedly mounted along the pinion shaft 36 and a pinion shaft bearing 44 is mounted along the pinion shaft 36.
- the drive gear 42 is in meshing engagement with a driven gear 46.
- the driven gear 46 is fixedly mounted to a pivot shaft 48. Thus, rotation of the drive gear 42 will cause rotational movement of the pivot shaft 48 via the driven gear 46.
- the pivot shaft 48 is also fixedly secured to the step 16.
- pivot shaft 48 will pivot the step 16 between the stowed and deployed positions.
- the pivot shaft 48 also extends through an opening 49 in a distal end 51 of the second arm 14.
- the step 16 is operably coupled to the second arm 14.
- a pivot bearing 50 and a bearing 52 are also disposed along the pivot shaft 48.
- a clutch assembly is provided to decouple the pivot shaft 48 from the motor 32 to allow manual movement of the step 16 between the stowed position and the deployed position.
- the clutch assembly 54 includes an arm clutch plate 56, a gear clutch plate 58, a clutch spring 60, and a spring nut 62.
- a pivot washer 64 and a lock ring 66 are located adjacent the clutch assembly 54.
- the motor 32 and the drive components are all located within the interior portion 21 of the step 16 or within an interior portion 67 of at least one of the end caps 22, 23, 24, 26 of the step 16, thus reducing the overall packaging space of the running board assembly 10. Further packaging space can be saved by integrating the step 16 into the rocker panel such that the step 16 is flush with the rocker body surfaces while in the stowed position.
- a rotary seal 68 is disposed within slots 70, 72 in the inner 24 and outer 26 end caps of the step 16 to seal out dirt, debris, and water from entering the interior portions 21, 67 of the step 16.
- the rotary seal 68 includes an opening receiving the second arm 14 therethrough. The rotary seal 68 moves within the slots 70, 72 as the step 16 moves between the stowed and deployed positions.
- a pivot shaft 74 extends through the first arm 12 at one end thereof and is secured to the step 16.
- a pivot bearing 76 is disposed between the pivot shaft 74 and the first arm 12.
- a lock ring 78 extends around the pivot shaft 74 adjacent the first arm 12.
- An end housing 80 extends out from the step 16 to support the pivot shaft 74.
- the end housing 80 includes a plurality of stop bumpers 82 to limit movement of the step 16 in either of the stowed and deployed positions.
- the motor 32 is activated to rotate the pinion shaft 36 in a first direction.
- the rotation of the pinion shaft 36 causes meshing engagement between the drive 42 and driven 46 gears.
- the pivot shaft 48 rotates in a first direction relative to the rear arm 14. Since the pivot shaft 48 is fixedly secured to the step 16, the step 16 moves with the pivot shaft 48 into the deployed position. This movement causes the pivot shaft 74 to rotate relative to the first arm 12 to complete the pivotal movement of the step 16 into the deployed position.
- the motor 32 is activated to rotate the pinion shaft 36 in an opposing second direction.
- the rotation of the pinion shaft 36 causes meshing engagement between the drive 32 and driven 46 gears.
- the pivot shaft 48 rotates in a second direction relative to the second arm 14. Since the pivot shaft 48 is fixedly secured to the step 16, the step 16 moves with the pivot shaft 48 into the stowed position. This movement causes the pivot shaft 74 to rotate relative to the first arm 12 to complete the pivotal movement of the step 16 into the stowed position.
- the above-described invention may be modified to include a smooth belt connected between two smooth pulleys with a spring-biased tensioning device to provide a predetermined tension on the belt to allow slip between the belt and pulleys.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2672678A CA2672678C (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-12-13 | Power retractable rocker board |
US12/518,555 US8136826B2 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-12-13 | Power retractable rocker board |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US87476206P | 2006-12-13 | 2006-12-13 | |
US60/874,762 | 2006-12-13 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2008071003A1 true WO2008071003A1 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
Family
ID=39511217
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CA2007/002290 WO2008071003A1 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-12-13 | Power retractable rocker board |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8136826B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2672678C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008071003A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (45)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003039910A1 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2003-05-15 | American Moto Products, Inc. | Retractable vehicle step |
CA2672678C (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2014-12-30 | Magna International Inc. | Power retractable rocker board |
US8262113B1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2012-09-11 | Chafey John R | Powered running boards for locking doors of a vehicle |
US8833782B2 (en) * | 2010-10-22 | 2014-09-16 | Magna International Inc. | Independent running board actuation |
US8833781B2 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2014-09-16 | Rock-Slide Engineering LLC | Robust rocker guard with automatic step |
US9771024B2 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2017-09-26 | Rock-Slide Engineering, Llc | Robust rocker guard with automatic step |
US11926286B2 (en) | 2011-10-31 | 2024-03-12 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Retractable vehicle step |
US8840143B2 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2014-09-23 | Thomas Higgins | Novelty vehicle side-step modification kit |
KR101865956B1 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2018-06-08 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Intelligent side step apparatus for vehicle |
US9156406B2 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2015-10-13 | Lund, Inc. | Modular rail and step system |
CN103909871B (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2016-09-07 | 杭州天铭科技股份有限公司 | Vehicle and the foot pedal equipment for vehicle |
DE102014111075A1 (en) * | 2014-08-05 | 2016-02-11 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle with an adjustable sill |
USD751953S1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-03-22 | Rock-Slide Engineering, Llc | Rocker guard |
KR101637307B1 (en) * | 2015-04-13 | 2016-07-20 | 현대자동차 주식회사 | Step device |
US10569729B2 (en) | 2015-04-30 | 2020-02-25 | Sabic Global Technologies B.V. | Energy absorption member for automobile |
USD803113S1 (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2017-11-21 | Sabic Global Technologies B.V. | Energy absorption member |
US9669766B2 (en) * | 2015-06-01 | 2017-06-06 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd | Vehicle and vehicle step apparatus |
US9550458B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2017-01-24 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Retractable step and side bar assembly for raised vehicle |
US9522634B1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2016-12-20 | Lund Motion Products, Inc. | Horizontal retractable vehicle step |
EP3261881B1 (en) | 2015-08-04 | 2019-10-02 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd | Vehicle and vehicle step apparatus |
US10618472B2 (en) | 2015-08-04 | 2020-04-14 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. | Vehicle and vehicle step apparatus with multiple drive motors |
US9669767B2 (en) * | 2015-08-04 | 2017-06-06 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Industrial Co., Ltd | Vehicle step apparatus |
US9539948B1 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-01-10 | Jac Products, Inc. | Telescoping step assist system and method |
US10059268B2 (en) * | 2016-07-07 | 2018-08-28 | Curt Manufacturing, Llc | Drive system for an automatic step |
DE102017000394A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-07-19 | Daimler Ag | Covering arrangement for covering a bodywork element of a vehicle |
US10081302B1 (en) | 2017-07-03 | 2018-09-25 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Active aerodynamic running board |
US10723272B2 (en) | 2017-12-04 | 2020-07-28 | Jac Products, Inc. | Step rail system for vehicle |
DE102018001993A1 (en) * | 2018-03-13 | 2019-09-19 | Daimler Ag | Cladding device for a side skirts of a passenger car and method for operating such a cladding device |
US10919453B2 (en) | 2018-04-13 | 2021-02-16 | Magna Exteriors Inc. | Power box side step |
US10384614B1 (en) | 2018-07-20 | 2019-08-20 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. | Vehicle, running board assembly and drive assembly for running board |
US11198394B2 (en) | 2018-07-20 | 2021-12-14 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. | Vehicle running board apparatus and retractable device thereof |
US10518727B1 (en) * | 2018-09-28 | 2019-12-31 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Step assembly for energy absorption |
CN110012061B (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2022-02-08 | 杭州天铭科技股份有限公司 | Management device for vehicle equipment, vehicle, and server |
US11293148B2 (en) * | 2019-03-04 | 2022-04-05 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Step assembly and walkway for a screed |
WO2020177186A1 (en) | 2019-03-05 | 2020-09-10 | 杭州天铭科技股份有限公司 | Vehicle step bar device and vehicle |
WO2020181617A1 (en) | 2019-03-11 | 2020-09-17 | 杭州天铭科技股份有限公司 | Adjustment apparatus, adjuster, and shock absorber |
US11919481B2 (en) | 2019-04-09 | 2024-03-05 | Magna Exteriors, Inc. | Retractable power step remote drive |
US11458900B2 (en) | 2019-04-29 | 2022-10-04 | Magna Exteriors Inc. | Multi position automated running board |
CN110341607A (en) * | 2019-08-13 | 2019-10-18 | 广州市东穗汽车用品有限公司 | A kind of automobile side pedal |
US11584387B2 (en) | 2019-09-16 | 2023-02-21 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. | Step apparatus for vehicle and vehicle |
WO2021227616A1 (en) | 2020-05-11 | 2021-11-18 | 杭州天铭科技股份有限公司 | Vehicle footboard device and vehicle |
WO2021227617A1 (en) | 2020-05-11 | 2021-11-18 | 杭州天铭科技股份有限公司 | Vehicle pedal apparatus and vehicle |
US20230088553A1 (en) * | 2021-09-17 | 2023-03-23 | T-Max (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. | Step mounting mechanism and motorized device |
US20230096529A1 (en) * | 2021-09-29 | 2023-03-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Structural impact assembly and vehicle having structural impact assembly |
US11945405B2 (en) | 2021-11-15 | 2024-04-02 | Winbo-Dongjian Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. | Extendable and retractable vehicle step |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6375207B1 (en) * | 1999-02-22 | 2002-04-23 | Decoma Exterior Trim | Retractable running board |
US20050035568A1 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2005-02-17 | V-Bond Lee | Powered running board |
US20050087951A1 (en) * | 2001-10-16 | 2005-04-28 | Horst Leitner | Retractable vehicle step |
US20050179227A1 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2005-08-18 | Horst Leitner | Retractable vehicle step |
Family Cites Families (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3528574A (en) * | 1969-01-31 | 1970-09-15 | Overhead Door Corp | Vehicle cargo elevator and storing arrangement therefor |
US3762742A (en) * | 1972-06-05 | 1973-10-02 | V Bucklen | Electrically positioned step for vehicles |
US4231583A (en) * | 1979-05-31 | 1980-11-04 | Learn William H | Projectable step for vehicles |
US5085450A (en) * | 1990-12-13 | 1992-02-04 | The Dometic Corporation | Step stall prevention for vehicle steps |
US6178364B1 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2001-01-23 | Freightliner Corporation | Method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly |
US6264222B1 (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2001-07-24 | Freightliner Llc | Retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle |
US7019727B2 (en) * | 2000-09-18 | 2006-03-28 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Display device |
CA2436647C (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2011-07-12 | Decoma International Inc. | Power operated running board |
AU2003264423A1 (en) * | 2002-09-18 | 2004-04-08 | France Bed Co., Ltd. | Manual bicycle |
US7469916B2 (en) * | 2005-03-25 | 2008-12-30 | Magna International Inc. | Automated deployable running board |
US7513520B2 (en) * | 2005-05-10 | 2009-04-07 | Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. | Powered step device of motor vehicle |
US20070267842A1 (en) * | 2006-05-16 | 2007-11-22 | Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. | Pick-up truck stowable access step assembly |
US7976042B2 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2011-07-12 | Watson Bradley E | Retractable step |
US7677584B2 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2010-03-16 | Actuant Corporation | Motorized collapsible step |
CA2672678C (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2014-12-30 | Magna International Inc. | Power retractable rocker board |
DE202007000912U1 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2007-04-05 | Kircher, Werner | Boarding aid or access facility for vehicles, has drive means which has drive element and which is designed as chain or belt whereby drive element is guided by deflection pulley |
US7971891B2 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2011-07-05 | Werner Kircher | Boarding and/or access aid for passenger vehicles |
US7513565B2 (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2009-04-07 | Magna International Inc. | Power dual action rocker board |
US7857337B2 (en) * | 2008-01-25 | 2010-12-28 | Actuant Corporation | Motorized collapsible step |
CA2725403C (en) * | 2008-02-19 | 2017-02-07 | Magna International Inc. | Automated retractable running board |
-
2007
- 2007-12-13 CA CA2672678A patent/CA2672678C/en active Active
- 2007-12-13 WO PCT/CA2007/002290 patent/WO2008071003A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-12-13 US US12/518,555 patent/US8136826B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6375207B1 (en) * | 1999-02-22 | 2002-04-23 | Decoma Exterior Trim | Retractable running board |
US20050179227A1 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2005-08-18 | Horst Leitner | Retractable vehicle step |
US20050087951A1 (en) * | 2001-10-16 | 2005-04-28 | Horst Leitner | Retractable vehicle step |
US20050035568A1 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2005-02-17 | V-Bond Lee | Powered running board |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20100044993A1 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
CA2672678A1 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
US8136826B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 |
CA2672678C (en) | 2014-12-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8136826B2 (en) | Power retractable rocker board | |
CA2675785C (en) | Power dual action rocker board | |
US7900944B2 (en) | Retractable vehicle step | |
US11077802B2 (en) | Compact power running board | |
US8342551B2 (en) | Retractable running board/box side step | |
EP3495209B1 (en) | Compact power running board | |
CA2660734C (en) | Push to release retractable side step | |
US7594672B2 (en) | Automated running board crank drive | |
US8167021B2 (en) | Lever roll-up shade with stop damper | |
EP0825089A1 (en) | Motor vehicle steering device with a control block placed in the centre of the steering wheel | |
EP4049897B1 (en) | Compact power running board | |
KR20210137568A (en) | rotatable box stairs | |
ATE358224T1 (en) | GEAR FOR SWINGING A VEHICLE DOOR OR VEHICLE HATCH | |
CA2597428C (en) | Retractable vehicle step | |
KR100450010B1 (en) | back mirror shield for vehicles | |
JP4223691B2 (en) | Mirror device for vehicle | |
JP6113502B2 (en) | Mirror device for vehicle | |
KR100354330B1 (en) | Side mirror assembly for automobile | |
JPH0536255B2 (en) | ||
KR19980026083U (en) | Automatic folding structure of exterior rear mirror for automobile | |
JPH0635013U (en) | Drive unit for moving parts of automobile | |
JP2001301528A (en) | Outside rearview mirror device for automobile | |
KR19990016486U (en) | Outside mirror assembly of the car |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 07855572 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 12518555 Country of ref document: US |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2672678 Country of ref document: CA |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 07855572 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |